"It never ceases to amaze me," Balin says with a smile.
Curious, Bilbo asks, "What?"
"The courage of Hobbits," replies Balin. Who just keeps smiling even though the days are dark, and the night is drawing near as Bilbo descends into the Mountain to locate the Arkenstone in a scene from Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
I think perhaps it is the courage of Hobbits that draws so many to the epic tales of Middle-Earth. We love to hear of heroes, so small but so great.
The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are not just some of the most thrilling fantasy stories out there, but some of the most uplifting. We are reminded about true honesty, bravery, loyalty, and friendship. Through pain, fear, and doubt Frodo and Bilbo must venture before their journey comes to a close, and they can once more sit undisturbed at Bag-End. And it is from their example that many of us find the courage we need in these dark days.
For sometimes, 'Courage is found in unlikely places,' as Tolkien reminds us. So happy Birthday to Bilbo and Frodo Baggins! Aren't we all grateful for such stories as these in the world? Not just stories that satisfy our longing for impossible adventures, but stories that also point us back to the King who will someday Return.
As a fun party-game, comment and let me know which Middle-Earth character is your favorite! And until next week, Ad Lucem.
-L.E. Levens
Sam and Pippin.😁
Aragorn and Pippin... 😅
Frodo is by far my favorite character. All the others are great and I enjoy them a lot, but there's something special about Frodo.
Unpopular favorite here, but I actually really love Boromir. 😂 Pippin, Merry, Sam, and Faramir are some of my other favorites, but I really related to Boromir most of all.